BEATRICE JEANETTE

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BEATRICE JEANETTE McCALLUM (PARR) (nee BLANCHARD) January 22, 1928 September 8, 2009 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Ma, Mom, Gramma and great-Gramma, on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the age of 81 years. Remaining to forever cherish Mom's memory are her brothers, Donald, Richard and Ken Blanchard, and sister Doris Sims. Mom was blessed with seven children, sons, Dennis/Shirley, Bill/Susan, Casey/Debbie, Timothy/Debra, daughters, Sandra/Susan, Kelly, Jeanette/Duane. Mom also leaves 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by first husband Daniel Parr, second husband Donald McCallum, parents William Bradford and Ella Ruth Blanchard, brothers, Earl, Sonny, sister, Eleanor. Born in Montmartre, Saskatchewan on January, 22, 1928, Mom's childhood was spent on the family farm where she was surrounded by the love of a large family. At an early age Mom was already a teacher, asked by the local school to teach the young farm children. Teaching was something Mom was to continue throughout her life with each of us. Mom faced a lot of trials and many tests, but Mom always tried to do the best she could. Mom's teachings will guide each of us. There was never a moment that went by that we didn't know that she loved each of us. Every visit, every phone call always ended with I LOVE YOU! A proud moment in our Mom's life is when she became a grandma and great-gramma, another generation of teachings. Mom was a HUGE sports fan. We would gather on a Saturday night to watch Hockey Night in Canada, cheering on the Winnipeg Jets, later sharing the love of watching grandchildren Ashley and Jason playing hockey. Her kiss from Bobby Hull, to the collection of the sports programs to the journey of seeing Jeff Gordon race at NASCAR when she was 75. In Mom's early years, she played shuffleboard, curled and entered cribbage tournaments. Other sports that Mom loved included, baseball, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers; really there wasn't a sport that our Mom didn't know about or didn't have an opinion about. Mom loved music, from Willie to Pavarotti to in the godda-da-vida. Music offered Mom peace when her burdens were heavy. She passed on that love of music to each of us. Mom's greatest passion was FISHING. We spent many weekends traveling around Manitoba and Ontario looking for the best fishing spot; Mom waited so patiently for that pickerel! We are thankful that Mom was able to fulfill one of her dreams, to see the Shenandoah Mountains. These words that we are about to share with you were of Mom's favourite. FLY AWAY Lift up your wings and fly away Don't look back, for on this day a new life starts, for you'll be free. Free to laugh and love and sing and be yourself in everything, and on this day that you fly away, my heart soars with you. But I must stay. May God be with you on this flight, to freedom and the happiness that awaits you at the other end, fly away for God is with you. Spread your wings and fly away, I know that you will come home someday. Mom's Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main Street at Manitoba Avenue. For those who wish, viewing will be held prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in Wojcik's Reception Centre. Interment will follow in Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Avenue. Our family would like to thank Heritage Park Lodge. During Mom's last years and final days, they created a peaceful home for all of us. You are all special angels. We offer a special thank you to Pastor Paul Brown for his comforting prayers. We would also like to thank Dr. Smart for his kind and gentle care.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2009